Disposable liquid applicator for individual use

ABSTRACT

An applicator configured to allow a user to apply liquids to hard-to-reach areas of the user&#39;s body, such as the back. The applicator includes an elongated rectangular body of flexible material with looped ends made with a full-width of the body. The body is configured to receive and support the liquid as the user applies the liquid to their back. The looped ends are configured to allow the user to easily maneuver the applicator while keeping the body taught during application. The user inserts a finger in an opening through each end and pulls the ends in an opposite direction to span the applicator&#39;s full elongated length and width. This allows the applicator to reach remote areas of the body while allowing the user to easily apply even pressure along the full width of the liquid soaked applicator to evenly and accurately apply the liquid to a chosen body location.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

A flexible applicator configured to enable a user to apply liquidsevenly and accurately to hard-to-reach areas of the user's body.

2. Description of the Related Art

People routinely apply liquid substances to their body for manypurposes. For example, during the summer many people apply sunprotection factor lotions, also known as SPF lotions, which provideprotection for the skin from Ultraviolet (UV) rays. We all have run intothe situation where we are ready for an adventure in the sun, we haveapplied SPF lotion to every spot on our body that we can reach, and thenwe have that spot in the middle of our back. That spot is difficult, ifnot impossible, to reach. Neglecting to cover areas of our body, likethe middle of the back, can result in painful sunburns, which can leadto unwanted melanomas and other skin problems.

Some people are less flexible and have trouble applying lotion to theirfeet or other parts of their body. Such people may need to apply lotionor a medicated ointment that is difficult to achieve by themselves.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a simple, compact, low cost,flexible applicator that allows an individual user to evenly andefficiently apply liquids to their own body, more specifically, todifficult, if not impossible-to-reach areas of their body. The flexibleapplicator includes an elongated rectangular body with looped ends thatare formed from the full width of the body. The looped ends provide theuser with openings into which the individual can insert a finger orfingers from each hand. As the user pulls the looped ends in oppositedirections, the applicator lengthens to span the applicator's fullelongated length. The applicator is configured to maintain a planarconfiguration during use so that the individual can evenly andaccurately apply the liquid to their back or other body parts.

With liquid on the applicator, the user can apply the liquid with theapplicator to remote areas of the body. Tension applied to the fullapplicator width using the integrated applicator looped ends allows theuser to easily move the applicator, in the elongated length direction,“back and forth,” across the hard-to-reach body location. This allowsthe user to apply liquid to areas of one's own body, previouslydifficult, or impossible-to-reach, such as the back.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other features and advantages of the presentdisclosure will be more readily appreciated as the same become betterunderstood from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an applicator formed in accordance withan embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a user applying liquid to their back with the applicator ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top down view of an applicator formed in accordance with anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the applicator in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the applicator in FIG. 3 in a compact packagingconfiguration;

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top and side views of an applicator formed inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a micrograph of a trilayer material configured to be used toform the applicator in FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 9 and 10 are an isometric view and a side view of an alternativeembodiment of an applicator according to the present disclosure;

FIGS. 11 and 12 are an isometric view and a side view of an alternativeembodiment of an applicator according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 13 is a top down view of an applicator with a user's hand accordingto an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description provided herewith, certain specific details are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various disclosedembodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognizethat embodiments may be practiced without one or more of these specificdetails, or with other methods, components, etc. In some instances,well-known structures or processes associated with fabrication of thematerials discussed herein have not been shown or described in detail toavoid unnecessarily obscuring descriptions of the inventive embodiments.

Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification andclaims that follow, the words “comprise” and “include” and variationsthereof, such as “comprises,” “comprising,” and “including,” are to beconstrued in an open, inclusive sense, that is, as meaning “including,but not limited to.”

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristicdescribed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least oneembodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or“in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification arenot necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, theparticular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. It should also be noted that the term “or”is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise.

As used in the specification and appended claims, the use of“correspond,” “corresponds,” and “corresponding” is intended to describea ratio of or a similarity between referenced objects. The use of“correspond” or one of its forms should not be construed to mean theexact shape or size.

In the drawings, identical reference numbers identify similar elementsor acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawingsare not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of variouselements and angles, and some of the elements are enlarged andpositioned to improve understanding of the inventive features.

FIG. 1 is an applicator 1 for applying liquids to one's own body, morespecifically to areas which are difficult, if not impossible-to-reachwithout assistance. Such areas include the back, where it is difficultto evenly and consistently apply a liquid, such as sun tan lotionwithout assistance. In addition, if one is injured or has a medicalcondition that prohibits range of motion, it can be difficult to applylotion or medicated ointment to one's own feet.

The applicator 1 has a generally rectangular shape formed from a single,unitary, flexible material. Using a single material is cost-effective toproduce, is compact, and allows a user to maintain even tension along alength and width of the applicator 1 during use.

The applicator 1 has a main body 18 configured to receive liquid and hastwo integrated loops 2 at opposite first and second ends 20, 22 of themain body. The applicator 1 has a first length 7 that extends from afirst edge 10 to a second edge 12 of the applicator 1. The applicator 1has a first width 6 that extends from a third edge 14 to a fourth edge16. Each of the first and second edges 10, 12 represent an external edgeof one of the integrated loops 2. The loops 2 are formed from thesingle, unitary material that forms the main body 18 of the applicator1.

Each loop 2 has the same width 6 as the main body 18. The loops 2 areconfigured so that the user 4 can easily insert fingers 5 from each handin to the loop 2 at each of the first and second ends 20, 22, see FIG.2. With this configuration, as the user pulls the loops 2 away from eachother, the main body 18 lengthens and becomes a flat surface 24. Inaddition, the user 4 creates tension along the length 7 of theapplicator 1, such that the applicator maintains the flat surface 24 asthe user 4 moves the applicator 1 along their back or other part of thebody. The tension applied by the user 4 causes the applicator 1 to spanits full elongated length.

This configuration also allows the user 4 to maintain the applicator's 1full width 6 during application. The user can easily apply and maintaintension along the full length and width during application to ensureeven and consistent application of lotion on the user's back.

The loops 2 at each end 20, 22 of the applicator 1 are created byattaching a fifth and sixth edge 26, 28 to an intermediate portion 30,32 of the main body 18 adjacent to the respective first or second end20, 22. The fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 may be coupled to theintermediate portions 30, 32 of the main body 18 with an adhesive, bylaminating, with thermal bonding, an ultrasonic seam, or any othersuitable techniques to secure the fifth and sixth edges to the main body18 to form the loops 2.

The applicator 1 has a second length 34 that is associated with the mainbody 18. The second length 34 spans between the intermediate portions30, 32 of the main body 18 where the loops 2 begin and the fifth andsixth edges 26, 28 are affixed to the main body 18. Each loop 2 has athird length 36, which may be a variety of dimensions. For example, inone embodiment, the third length 36 may be configured to receive asingle finger 5 of the user 4. In other embodiments, the third length 36may be adjusted to receive a number of fingers 5 or the user's entirehand. The dimension of the third length 36 may be dependent upon a typeof consumer for which the applicator 1 is made. For example, large menhave a long wing span and thus may need to have the first length 7 belonger than for a child size applicator. In the same situation, theman's hands will be significantly larger than the child's and thus thethird length 36 may be adjusted accordingly.

In one embodiment, the applicator can range in size to suit various sizeindividuals, and generally the length 7 is between 24″ inches and 48″inches, the width 6 is between 1″ inch to 4″ inches, and a thickness 9(see FIG. 4) is in the range of 0.001″ inches to 0.25″ inches to suitvarious desired liquids, absorbency, and viscosities.

The applicator 1 is configured to receive and hold lotion, liquid soap,or other liquids so that the user can easily apply the liquid to adesired location on their body. There is a balance between retaining theliquid on the applicator as the user manipulates the applicator 1 forapplication and avoiding excessive absorption by the applicator. Ifthere is too much absorption, the applicator will not distribute aneven, consistent coat of the liquid on the user's body. In the case ofsun screen, this could lead to the user getting a serious sun burn in alocation on their body that was not adequately covered by the liquid.

In one embodiment, a flexible material is used that is suitable toretain the applied liquid to the applicator in place, prior to, andduring the application, without substantially absorbing the appliedliquid, such that the vast majority of the liquid is applied to the bodyduring use, as opposed to being unduly absorbed into the material, andthereby wasting the desired liquid.

In one embodiment, the applicator 1 is formed from a non-woven materialthat is flat and hydrophobic. Hydrophobic materials are configured torepel water, such that a hydrophobic material does not absorb water orother liquids as much as other materials, such as terry cloth or otherwoven materials.

Typically, non-woven materials are sheet or web structures formed bybonding together or entangling fibers or filaments. The bonding may beachieved mechanically, thermally, or chemically. These non-wovenmaterials do not include fibers that are formed into a yarn or threadbefore creating the sheets.

There are several types of non-woven materials, such as staple non-wovenmaterials and spunlaid non-woven materials. Staple non-woven materialsinclude fibers that can be ¼″ to ¾″ long, which are bonded using resinor thermal bonding. Spunlaid non-woven materials are formed in onecontinuous process where fibers are spun, dispersed into a web, andbonded with resin or thermally. The size of the fibers in spunlaidnon-woven materials can vary depending on the ultimate use. It ispossible to print specific patterns of the resin or perform thermal spotbonding to have a single material that has multiple material properties.Both staple and spunlaid non-woven materials can be treated or modifiedto change a texture of the material such as with ultrasonic patternbonding, needle punching, or a chemical treatment.

In one embodiment, ultrasonic thermal bonding is a preferred method ofadhering or otherwise attaching the fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 to themain body 18. Thermal bonding does not require adding or puncturing thematerial as would be the case with stitching. The thermal bonding may beachieved using a heat sealer and a curing device. Other types of thermalbonding include hot embossing and impact bonding. Other types of bondingto attach the fifth and sixth edges 26, 28 to the intermediate portions30, 32 of the main body 18 when using a non-woven material may includeadhesive bonding, heat bonding, high frequency sealing, hot meltbonding, laminating, sewing, ultrasonic bonding, thermal bonding, andthe like.

In one embodiment, materials used for the applicator which are moresuitable to a single-use, or disposable form include Spunbond/Meltblown,Spunlace, Spunmelt, Nonwoven Fabrics, Polyester, Cotton, Nylon, Polymer,Paper, or Paper-Blend Material, Pulp Material, and Polypropylene, andthe like, or a combination thereof, which are suitable for accepting,and furthermore applying liquids designed for application to the bodyincluding lotions, medicated lotions, ointments, sun protection factorlotions, self tanning lotions, liquid soaps and the like.

In one embodiment, the material is a Polypropylene spunbond meltblownspunbond (SMS) having 40 to 50 grams per square meter, which is anexpression of weight per unit area. In other embodiments the grams persquare meter may be in the range of 20 to 50. SMS is a trilayerstructure, an example of which is shown in FIG. 8. A meltblown layer 38is positioned between two spunbond layers 40. Even though the spunbondfibers are small, the meltblown fibers are an order of magnitude finer.The spunbond layers provide strength and abrasion resistance and themeltblown layer provides a small pore size and tortuous path.

Polypropylene is hydrophobic, meaning that it does not wet with water.If the material is polypropylene, no additional surface treatment isused to make the surface hydrophobic. The surface energy of unmodifiedpolypropylene causes it to repel water. Polypropylene is naturallyoleophillic, meaning it attracts oils. Various surface treatments can beadded to polypropylene SMS to make it more or less repellant to variousliquids.

These nonwoven materials are flat, hydrophobic sheets that are madedirectly from separate fibers or from molten plastic or plastic film.They are not made by weaving or knitting and do not require convertingthe fibers to yarn. Nonwoven fabrics can be specifically manufacturedfor single use and can be made of numerous materials common in themanufacturing of nonwoven fabrics, and can be made with numerousmanufacturing methods also common in the production of nonwoven fabrics.

These non-woven materials have texture on their surfaces such that thematerial is semi-porous. This texture minimizes the absorption, whileproviding sufficient surface tension to keep the liquid on the flatsurface 24. Nonwoven fabrics are engineered fabrics that may be limitedlife, single-use fabrics or very durable fabrics. Nonwoven fabricsprovide specific functions such as absorbency, liquid repellence,resilience, stretch, softness, strength, flame retardancy, washability,cushioning, filtering, use as a bacterial barrier, and sterility. Theseproperties are often combined to create fabrics suited for specificjobs, while achieving a good balance between product use-life and cost.They can mimic the appearance, texture and strength of a woven fabricand can be as bulky as the thickest padding.

In some embodiments, a certain percentage of recycled fabrics andoil-based materials may be used in nonwoven fabrics. The percentage ofrecycled fabrics may vary based upon the strength of material needed forthe specific use. Conversely, some nonwoven fabrics can be recycledafter use, given the proper treatment and facilities. Some nonwovenfabrics are a more ecological fabric for certain applications,especially in fields and industries where disposable or single useproducts are important, such as hospitals, schools, nursing homes andluxury accommodations. These non-woven materials in conjunction with theapplicator being formed from a single unitary piece of material keepmanufacturing costs low. Because the entire applicator is made from asingle component, with integrated loops at the respective ends of theapplicator body, the applicator is cost effective to produce, such thatit may be used as a disposable item if desired, or rinsed for additionaluses. In addition, the applicator is made of a thin flexible materialsuitable for folding, or rolling into a compact shape for remote uses.

In one embodiment, the applicator is a single use, non-woven materialapplicator. However, in other embodiments the applicator may besemi-durable where there is limited reusability, such as use of theapplicator for a single day. In other embodiments, the applicator may bea durable, reusable woven fabric that may be washed in a washingmachine.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top down view and a side view of the first end 20 ofthe applicator 1. The second end 22 is formed in a similar manner andincludes similar features. The loop 2 is formed from the single unitarypiece of material that forms the remainder of the applicator 1, such asthe main body 18. As can be seen more clearly in FIG. 4, the fifth edge26 of the applicator 1 is folded over to be adhered or coupled to theintermediate portion 30. Only a portion 44 having a length 46 of thematerial close to the fifth edge 26 is bonded to the intermediateportion 30 such that the loop 2 is formed. The loop forms an opening 48through which passes an axis 42. The axis 42 is perpendicular to thelength 7 of the applicator 1. In particular, while in the same plane,the axis 42 is perpendicular to the length 7.

The position of the axis 42 allows the user to apply length-wise andwidth-wise tension to the applicator during use by pulling the first andsecond end 20, 22 in opposite directions and by positioning theirfingers in the opening 48 to apply force along the width 6 of the loop2.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the applicator 1 positioned in a compactpackaging arrangement. The applicator 1 can easily be rolled into acompact format for easy transportation and storage. In this example, thefirst end 20 has been rolled around the second end 22 so that the secondend is in a center of the roll of the applicator.

Alternatively, for reusable versions of the applicator, while not in usethe applicator may be folded into a compact size, desirable for storageand remote use. The thin, flexible materials make it is easy to fold orroll the applicator into a pocket size form, resulting in a compactsize, suitable for home, or remote use, such as the beach, camping,indoor tanning salon, while traveling, and the like.

FIGS. 6 and 7 are top and side views of an applicator 50 formed inaccordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. A mainbody 52 separates a first and a second opening 54, 56. The applicator 50may be formed several ways. For example, in one embodiment theapplicator 50 is formed from a single unitary piece of material that hasbeen folded so that ends 58, 60 meet at a point of the main body 52. Inthis embodiment, the point is in a central location of the applicator;however, in other embodiments, the point at which the ends 58 and 60meet can be off center.

The main body 52 is formed from two layers of the single piece ofmaterial, a top layer 62 and a bottom layer 64. The top and bottomlayers 62, 64 are coupled together through a bonding process, such asthermal bonding.

The bonding process forms the first and second openings 54, 56 spacedapart from each other by the main body 52. The openings 54, 56 also havea top and a bottom layer, which corresponds to the top and bottom layers62, 64 of the main body. The first and second openings 54, 56 have afirst axis 66 and a second axis 68, respectively that is perpendicularto a length 70 of the applicator 50. The first and second axes 66, 68are parallel with a width 72 of the applicator 50. More particularly,the length 70 and the width 72 are in a first plane, perpendicular toeach other. For example, the length 70 may be parallel with an x axis ofthe first plane while the width 72 may be parallel with a y axis of thefirst plane. The first and second axes 66, 68 also extend along thefirst plane, such that the first and second axes are parallel with the yaxis.

This is in contrast to an axis, such as a z axis that is perpendicularto the first plane and to the length 70. In several prior art devices,there are openings through handles that are positioned such that theopening is through the length of the device. The handles are made fromdifferent materials than the main portion of the device, such that themanufacturing is more complicated. The openings in the handles have anaxis that is perpendicular to both a length and a width of the mainbody, i.e., the axis of the openings through the handles is in the zdirection. In a top down view of these prior art devices, the openingwould be visible and would include the axis extending transverse to thelength and the width. Such an arrangement causes bulging of the mainbody when the user pulls the ends of the applicator away from each otherbecause the handles apply tension to the edges of the device and do notapply tension to the full width of the device. This results in unevenapplication of the liquid and wastes the liquid by creating pockets orindentations where the liquid does not meet with the user's skin.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the openings 54, 56are not visible from the top down view because the axes of the openingsare parallel with the width 72 and in the first plane. This allows theuser to apply full width pressure to the openings to keep the main bodyflat during application of a liquid. This arrangement affects how theuser can orient their fingers and thus provides better control of theapplicator and more even coating of the user's body during application.This also allows the user to avoid having to readjust their fingersduring application to complete the application.

The placement of the axes of the openings to be parallel with the widthof the applicator 1, 50 provides for a more natural grip and movement ofthe applicator along the user's back, for example, see FIG. 2. The user4 has inserted their right hand 11 into the second opening 22 from thethird edge 14 and their left hand 13 into the first opening 20 from thefourth edge 16. This positioning allows the user to easily manipulatethe applicator along their back without uncomfortable positioning oftheir arms, shoulders, and hands. The other embodiments described hereinallow for the more natural positioning of the user's arms because of theaxis of the openings being parallel to the width of the applicator. Themost comfortable position for application includes positioning theuser's hand such that the back of the user's hands faces towards theuser's front side. Alternatively, the user may insert both the right andleft hand from the same edge, such as both from the third edge 14.

The position of the integrated openings according to the presentdisclosure allows the user to apply full surface tension to theapplicator body. The user may insert a finger, multiple fingers,depending on the configuration of the opening. In one example of use asshown in FIG. 13, the user will lay the applicator on a flat surface 27,such as a table, with the first surface 24 facing the flat surface, suchthat a second surface 25 (opposite the first surface 24) is facingupwards ready to receive a liquid 29, such as sun tan lotion.

In this position, the third edge 14 will be further away from the userthan the fourth edge 16. As a reference, the applicator will be flippedover as compared to its orientation in FIGS. 1 and 2.

The user will then insert fingers from each hand into the opposingopenings and apply tension to the ends in opposing directions. Toachieve the natural position described above, the user can insert theirright hand 11 into the loop at the second end 22, where the fingersenter the loop from the side of the applicator furthest from the user,i.e., from the third edge 14. In this position, a top surface of thefingers of the user's fingers may be facing the flat surface andseparated from the flat surface by the material of the loop. The palm ofthe user's hand will be facing the palm-side of the fingers, similar toif the user were making a fist, i.e., such that the user's hand is bentat the knuckles. The left hand 13 may be inserted into the first end 20from fourth edge 16 so that the user's palm is facing the flat surfaceor table, i.e., the user's hand is flat and not bent. This way the usercan pick the applicator up with both hand inserted, easily turn thesecond surface 25 to their back 8, and apply the lotion. The fingers ofthe left hand can easily rotate in the opening to allow the user tocomfortably position their hand to maneuver the applicator. The user'shands pull the applicator taut so that the user can maneuver theapplicator over their head to apply the lotion to their back. Inaddition, the arrangement provides the user with a way to manipulate theapplicator without twisting the main body 18.

A user trying to utilize the prior art devices that include handles withopenings that have an axis perpendicular to the first plane of thelength and width will have more difficulty operating the devices becausethe user will contort their wrists and arms in order to insert theirfingers or hands through the openings. This unnatural movement may bedifficult for some users with tight or injured shoulders. In addition,as mentioned above, the arrangement of the axis of the opening to beperpendicular to the first plane can result in bulging of the device,uneven application, and wasted liquid. Incorporating holes through thethickness of the material or attaching handles that are perpendicular tothe width leads to failure to realize full surface width tension, whichin turn prevents consistent and even application of the liquid.

An alternative use of the applicator is applying liquid soap, lotion, ormedication in lotion or cream form to the user's feet. As we age, ourflexibility diminishes and reaching our feet can become more difficult.The applicators according to the present disclosure can provide a userwith a simple, but efficient way to apply a liquid to one's feet totreat an injury or to simply hydrate the skin.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are an isometric view and a side view of an applicator 80formed in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure.This applicator includes a single loop 82 that forms a single opening 84at a first end 86 of the applicator. As with the embodiments describedabove, the loop 82 is formed to have a same width 88 as a main body 90of the applicator 80. A second end 92 of the applicator 80 does notinclude a loop and instead is an unfolded edge 94.

The applicator 80 is formed from a single unitary piece of materialhaving the first edge 94 and a second edge 96. The second edge 96 isfolded and attached to an intermediate portion 98 of the main body 90.The second edge is attached according to methods described above. Forexample, the second edge 96 may be adhered to the intermediate portion98 with an adhesive or with thermal bonding. The second edge 96 iscoupled to the intermediate portion 98 in a way that prevents the secondedge 96 from being detached from the main body during use, i.e., theattachment mechanism is secure and resilient.

The opening 84 that is formed by the loop 82 includes an axis 100 thatis parallel with the width 88 and is perpendicular or orthogonal to alength 102. As described above, the length and width are in a same planesuch that the axis 100 is also in the same plane. The position of theaxis 100 of the opening 84 is ensures that the user can provide fullwidth tension in use to prevent bulging or bunching of the main body ofthe applicator 80. More particularly, with a single finger the user canapply outward pressure to an internal surface of the loop 82, away fromthe intermediate portion 98 where the second edge 96 is attached. If theuser positions the length of their finger along the internal surface ofthe loop 82, the user can easily apply pressure along the width of theapplicator. For example, if the user's palm is on one side of theopening 84, a tip of the user's finger may extend out the other side ofthe opening. Positioning the finger in this arrangement will maintainthe applicator in a flat state during use so that the user canefficiently and accurately apply the liquid to their body.

In this embodiment, the user may grip (or insert) the unfolded end ofthe first edge 94 between two fingers and wrap the end 92 once or twicearound to create the full width tension that keeps the applicator flatduring use. The user can pull the first end 86 and the second end 92 isopposite directions to achieve the full width and full length tension.

For ease of use, the end 92 is left unfolded without a loop. It may beeasier for a user to manipulate this applicator 80 to apply lotion totheir back without having both hands positioned in a loop whileadjusting the applicator to their back. Alternatively, a user may findit easier to hold the unfolded end to maneuver the applicator over theirshoulder and grab the loop with their other hand once the applicator isadjacent to their back. This applicator allows for greater flexibilityof use for the wide variety of people who have varying ranges of motion.The user may apply the full width tension through the loop 82 whilegripping the unfolded end 92 in another fashion. For example, the usermay roll the unfolded end 94 between two fingers, as described above, orthe user may grip the unfolded end in a manner that applies full widthtension to keep the applicator flat during use. The ability to applyfull width tension allows for more even application and prevents wasteof the liquid.

Since there is only a single loop, the simplicity of manufacturing isincreased, and cost is thereby reduced. A single sheet of non-wovenmaterial, such as a 48 inch wide spool of SMS material, can be easilyfed into a machine and manipulated to form a one loop applicator.Advantageously, the one loop applicator may be formed from a spool of asingle sheet of material, with a single thermal bonding step to attachthe second edge 96 to an intermediate portion of the main body, and isthen easily cut into individual one loop applicators after thermalbonding. The one loop applicator provides flexibility of use dependingon the range of motion of the user. In addition, materials explaininguse of the one loop applicator may be simplified.

In some embodiments, the one loop applicator may be formed from asingle-use disposable material. However, in other embodiments, the oneloop applicator may be formed from semi-durable materials, such asmaterials that will with stand multiple uses.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are another alternative embodiment of the presentdisclosure directed to a no-loop applicator 104. The applicator 104 isshown with broken lines because a length 106 may change and a centralarea 108 of the applicator is typically consistent throughout. Theapplicator 104 includes a first end 110 and a second end 112 positionedopposite the first end 110.

The applicator is configured to apply full length and width tension inuse and to efficiently apply a liquid to the user's back or other bodypart. In order to achieve the full width tension, the user would wrapeach of the first and second ends around fingers of the user's left andright hand, such that the applicator 104 does not bend or bulge. Theuser's fingers are aligned to be perpendicular or orthogonal to thelength 106.

The applicator is formed of a single unitary piece of material; however,the material may be formed of various layers, such as a non-wovenmaterial that includes layers of spunlaid, meltblown, and spunlaidfibers. The manufacturing for this no-loop applicator is considerablysimpler and more cost effective.

The various embodiments described above can be combined to providefurther embodiments. These and other changes can be made to theembodiments in light of the above-detailed description. In general, inthe following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limitthe claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specificationand the claims, but should be construed to include all possibleembodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which suchclaims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by thedisclosure.

1. A device, comprising: a flexible applicator configured to apply aliquid to a body of a user, the applicator including: a single, unitarybody having an elongated rectangular shape, the body being a nonwovenmaterial, the body including: a main portion configured to receive andsupport the liquid during application, the main portion having a firstlength in a first direction and a width in a second direction,transverse to the first direction; and first and second integratedlooped ends having the width of the main portion, each end having anopening, an axis passing through each opening, the axis extending in thesecond direction, each opening being configured to receive the user'sfingers.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein a first edge of the body iscoupled to a first intermediate portion of the body to form the firstlooped end and a second edge of the body is coupled to a secondintermediate portion of the body to form the second looped end.
 3. Thedevice of claim 2 wherein the first and second edges are coupled to thefirst and second intermediate portions with a plurality of stitches thatpass through the first and second edges and through the first and secondintermediate portions.
 4. The device of claim 2 wherein the first andsecond edges are coupled to the first and second intermediate portionswith an adhesive bond.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein the first andsecond edges are coupled to the first and second intermediate portionswith a thermal bonding technique.
 6. The device of claim 2 wherein thefirst length extends between the first and second integrated loopedends.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the first looped end has a secondlength and the second looped end has a third length.
 8. The device ofclaim 7 wherein the second length extends from the first intermediateportion to a first external edge of the applicator and the third lengthextends from the second intermediate portion to a second external edgeof the applicator.
 9. The device of claim 1 wherein the first looped endis a first folded end of the unitary body and the second looped end is asecond folded end of the unitary body.
 10. The device of claim 9 whereina first edge of the body is folded and attached to a first intermediateportion of the body to form the first folded end and a second edge ofthe body is folded and attached to a second intermediate portion of thebody to form the second folded end.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein afirst surface of the body forms an interior surface of each of theopenings.
 12. The device of claim 11 wherein the axis is parallel to theinterior surface of the opening.
 13. A method, comprising: forming aflexible applicator configured to apply a liquid to a body of a user,forming the applicator including: forming a first looped end and asecond looped end with a single, unitary body, the body having anelongated rectangular shape, the body having a main portion between thefirst and second looped ends configured to receive and support theliquid during application, the main portion having a first length in afirst direction and a width in a second direction, transverse to thefirst direction, the forming of the first and second looped endsincluding: forming a first opening by folding a first external edge ofthe body toward a first intermediate portion of the body, the firstexternal edge having the width, the first opening having a first axisextending in the second direction; forming a second opening by folding asecond external edge of the body toward a second intermediate portion ofthe body, the second external edge having the width, the second openinghaving a second axis extending in the second direction; coupling thefirst external edge to the first intermediate portion; and coupling thesecond external edge to the second intermediate portion.
 14. The methodof claim 13 wherein the coupling of the first and second external edgesincludes forming stitches through the first and second edges and thefirst and second intermediate portions, respectively.
 15. The method ofclaim 13 wherein the coupling of the first and second external edgesincludes adhering the first and second edges to the first and secondintermediate portions with an adhesive.
 16. The method of claim 13wherein the coupling of the first and second external edges includesperforming a thermal bonding technique.
 17. A method, comprising:applying a liquid to a first surface of a main portion of a unitarynon-woven material body, the main portion having a first length in afirst direction and a width in a second direction transverse to thefirst direction; arranging at least one finger in a first openingthrough a first integrated loop at a first end of the main portion;arranging at least one finger in a second opening through a secondintegrated loop at a second end of the main portion, the first andsecond integrated loops formed from the unitary body, each loop having asame width as the unitary body; applying tension in opposite directionsto the first and second integrated loops; positioning the first surfaceof the main portion towards a part of the body while maintainingtension; and applying the liquid on the part of the body by moving thefirst and second integrated loops along a path while maintaining thetension.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein applying tension in oppositedirections includes maintaining the applicator in a flat configurationby applying force along a full width of each integrated loop.